Aperikucha 2018 – Mel’s Ten Reasons Why I Love Italia

Pinocchio is the first reason I love Italia.

So what if Disney ‘sugarized’ Carlo Collodi‘s  original tragic story?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJ3lxzuI_sc

And I have I mentioned that Bologna hosts the biggest conference of children’s books in the world?

Treviso is a jewel of a town that has not been spoiled by tourists. I liked Treviso so much, I made a book about it!

Whenever Dean Martin sings Volare, I get goose bumps!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mkWhkKVvqHU

I got my IMDb profile by playing an Italian priest in the feature film, Jeruzalem. So what if my accent sucks? Dig my cardinal costume.

Perry Como is another reason I love Italia. My parents used to let me stay up to watch his show.

I love Tony Bennett. I still dream of singing a duet with Tony Bennett. What the heck? He’s only 91. Lotsa time.

I love the blue olives of Bari.

And Roman Holiday

And I am still spooked out by the fresco scene in Fellini’s Roma.

H-farm is the most enchanting hi-tech incubator in Europe. And Venice is just a short boat ride away.

The jazz pianist Tony Pancella recorded with me.